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Brackenhurst in Å·ÃÀ¾ÞÈé and Kenya

Learn more about the fascinating historic link which has led to friendship and synergy between the two Brackenhurst sites in Å·ÃÀ¾ÞÈé and Kenya.

Brackenhurst in Southwell (UK)

Brackenhurst Campus estate
NTU Brackenhurst campus (School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences)

1828

  • Built by Reverend Thomas Coats Cane of Halloughton.
  • He purchased three fields at the top of the hill in 1827 and completed the house in 1828.
  • Educated at St John's College, Cambridge, Thomas was ordained as a deacon and priest in 1824.
  • He was a squarson reverend, both a farmer and landowner and  bred cattle and pigs on the estate.

1914 – 1918

  • Used as one of 17 auxiliary hospitals in Å·ÃÀ¾ÞÈéshire during World War I, providing care for servicemen recovering from injuries.

1947

  • Å·ÃÀ¾ÞÈé Farm Institute was established.
  • World War II left the UK short of food and skilled farm workers.
  • The Ministry of Agriculture sought locations in each county for agricultural training.
  • Brackenhurst was chosen for its well-equipped farm and large hall.
  • The Council purchased the hall and 260 acres in 1947.
  • Despite various changes over the years, it has remained a place of learning since 1947.

1999

Brackenhurst in Limuru (Kenya)

Kenya House 2
Brackenhurst Conferences and Retreats

1914

  • Established by Charles Hudson Boileau Cane, grandson of Rev. Thomas Coats Cane.
  • Emigrated to Kenya in the early 20th century and founded Brackenhurst in Limuru, Tigoni.
  • Originally named Three Trees Farm after the three large muna trees left standing on the property.
  • Intended as a coffee farm but shifted focus with the outbreak of World War I.
  • Charles and his wife Violet provided rest and holidays for battle-weary British soldiers.
  • This marked the beginning of Brackenhurst’s heritage as a centre for hospitality.

1964

  • Brackenhurst Hotel was purchased by the Baptist Mission of Kenya.
  • The mission repurposed the grounds for team-building, conferencing, and adventure activities.

2000

  • partnered with Plants for Life Å·ÃÀ¾ÞÈé, an NGO dedicated to environmental conservation.
  • Launched a 30-year project to restore the surrounding land.
  • As a result, a vast indigenous forest grew on Brackenhurst soil for the first time since 1914.
  • The forest now provides a habitat for the restoration of some of Tigoni’s original wildlife.